Chicken Shish Pide with Garlic Yogurt

Chicken Shish Pide with Garlic Yogurt

Embark on a culinary journey to the Aegean with this exquisite Chicken Shish Pide, a delightful fusion of two Turkish culinary staples: the fluffy, boat-shaped pide and juicy, marinated chicken shish. Pide, a traditional Turkish flatbread often likened to pizza or naan, is renowned for its soft, airy interior and slightly crisp, olive oil-kissed crust. In this recipe, the pide serves as the perfect canvas, cradling tender pieces of chicken breast, marinated to perfection in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, pungent garlic, and fragrant herbs like oregano and thyme. Grilling the chicken shish imbues it with a distinctive smoky char, adding depth of flavor that complements the warm bread beautifully. The ensemble is brightened with colorful segments of ripe tomatoes and crisp bell peppers, offering a burst of freshness and texture. To complete this Mediterranean masterpiece, a generous dollop of creamy, cooling garlic yogurt sauce is drizzled over the top, cutting through the richness of the chicken and balancing the savory notes with a tangy, refreshing finish. This Chicken Shish Pide is a fantastic choice for an impressive yet easy weeknight meal, a show-stopping appetizer for guests, or a flavorful addition to any gathering, bringing the authentic tastes of Turkish cuisine right to your table. Experience a comforting and exciting dish that promises minimal fuss but maximum flavor with every bite.

Preparation time
25 min
Cooking time
20 min
Total time
45 min
Servings
4

Instructions

Prepare Chicken Shish

  1. 1In a bowl, combine chicken cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
  2. 2Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.

Make Garlic Yogurt Sauce

  1. 1In a small bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill (if using), and salt to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assemble and Bake Pide

  1. 1Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour or cornmeal.
  2. 2Take each pide dough and gently stretch it into an elongated, boat-like shape. Create a slight raised edge around the perimeter.
  3. 3Brush the edges of the pide dough lightly with olive oil. Bake the empty pide shells for 5-7 minutes, or until they start to puff up and turn light golden.
  4. 4Remove the partially baked pide from the oven. Arrange the grilled chicken shish, sliced bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion (if using) evenly over the center of each pide.
  5. 5Return the loaded pide to the oven and bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the toppings are heated through, vegetables are slightly tender, and the pide crust is golden brown.

Serve

  1. 1Once baked, remove the Chicken Shish Pide from the oven. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic yogurt sauce.
  2. 2Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately, either whole or sliced into portions.

Nutrition Information

Calories
550 kcal
Protein
45 g
Fat
25 g
Carbs
35 g
NutrientPer serving
Calories550 kcal
Protein45 g
Fat25 g
Carbs35 g

Tips

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. This allows the lemon, garlic, and herbs to deeply infuse the meat.
  • Don't overcrowd your grill when cooking the chicken shish; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning and char.
  • Serve with a simple side salad of cucumbers and red onion dressed with sumac and lemon for a complete meal.

By Chef Michael Ilin